The pricing slots the HSV Colorado SportsCat between the Ford Ranger Wildtrak and the upcoming Ranger Raptor, which is tipped to cost in excess of $70,000.

HSV has begun assembly of the Colorado ahead of an April showroom debut. Picture: Supplied.

There is a range of options for the HSV pick-up: automatic transmission adds $2200 to both models and SupaShock suspension adds $3600 to the SportsCat+.

HSV has already begun local assembly of its new Colorado in a new facility near its original Clayton site.

The SportsCat arrives in Australia from the Thailand factory in a partially complete form before HSV adds the body kit, hard lid, performance suspension and brakes, as well as a tougher wheel and tyre package that promises to improve both on-road and off-road performance.

More than just a bodykit, the HSV Colorado underwent exhaustive testing on its way big improvements to on- and off-road performance. Picture: Supplied.

The HSV SportsCat underwent exhaustive testing by HSV and Holden over the past two years before getting the green light for production because it must meet General Motors' global durability standards.

The interior also comes in for a major overhaul, with sports seats and upgraded materials on the dash and doors bespoke to the HSV.

HSV has added its touch to the Colorado’s interior. Picture: Supplied.

Power from the Holden 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine remains unchanged (147kW and 500Nm) because the cost to repeat strict emissions and durability tests would have been prohibitively expensive.

However, the Colorado engine's torque rating is identical to that of the twin turbo 2.0-litre diesel in the Ranger Raptor - and power is only just 10kW shy of the Ford's output of 157kW, setting up a head-to-head showdown when both models eventually arrive in showrooms.

The HSV Colorado SportsCat is due in selected Holden dealers in April while the Ford Ranger Raptor, which is also sourced from Thailand, is expected to land in June.

Showdown looming: the HSV Colorado SportsCat has the same 500Nm of engine torque as the Ford Ranger Raptor, pictured, while just 10kW separates their power outputs. Picture: Supplied.